It took one family feud, a divorce, and a remarriage for us to find a hidden treasure box filled with much happiness, humor and fun. We found the treasure box last October when one relative had a second wedding that reunited many family members together after having had little communication for years.

Shortly after my great-grandmother passed away eight years ago and left a vacation property to her three children, a family feud was created by some relatives regarding who could own the vacation property. These said relatives caused a rift between many of the family members and abandoned many of us from a vacation property that is deeply rooted in our own family history. Thus, we found a new “home” for our family reunion where we were able to revive the good ol’ traditions.

We found a beautiful rental property in Stowe, Vermont, where 21 family members were able to fit comfortably in one big house and share many positive dynamics of life – cooking, barbecuing, baking goodies, playing games, laughing, chatting, photographing, gazing at the stars, riding and feeding the horses, etc.

Stars twinkling at night

Playing with glowing sticks

Family at the Malt Shop

All the family members wearing masks

Cooking blueberry pancakes

Family playing a game together

Family members enjoying some great laughs

Stowe, a small town that is notably known for its ski resort and is a homeland to the Von Trapp family from The Sound of Music, couldn’t be a more perfect place for people coming from all various ages – children to elders. A man in his 60′s swooshed down the Alpine Slide while seven year-olds went down too. Hiking trails with magnificent waterfalls and mountains were found on every corner of the street. There was a lake for kayaking, fishing and swimming. There was a little museum at the Von Trapp Family Lodge for those who wanted to explore some history. There were many opportunities for nature and landscape photography.

The town is so quirky as not one chain store existed and all restaurants were independent. The Malt Shop, a retro diner on Depot Street, had something for everyone on their menu – grilled cheese, salads, chicken fingers, eggs, turkey sandwich, and etc – and everyone was so happy with what we ate for lunch that we went back there again a few days later for another lunch. Many stores were filled with arts, crafts and antiques.

The moral of this story is that bad events can open a door to many joys and wonderful events filled with happiness…and also, no towns are too small for too much fun for all ages!